Eric arrived as scheduled.
Just after ten o'clock in the morning, the carriage stopped at the manor entrance.
Klein stood by the second-floor window, watching the dark blue carriage slowly enter the manor.
A silver scale pattern was painted on the carriage's body, shimmering faintly in the sunlight.
It was a very exquisite pattern.
Klein narrowed his eyes, carefully observing the lines of those scales.
Each scale was drawn with extreme detail, with smooth curves at the edges and a very regular arrangement—it looked just like the natural growth pattern of real fish scales in flowing water.
It didn't look like a decoration drawn at random.
It was more like... a replica of something that actually existed.
Klein’s gaze lingered on the scales for a few seconds; he noticed that as the sunlight hit them, the silver lines seemed to produce a subtle flow of colors with the change in angle—from silvery-white to pale blue, and then to an eerie green that approached a deep-sea hue.
This kind of effect was not something ordinary paint could achieve.
"Master, do you need me to stand by?" Raymond’s voice came from behind him.
Klein turned around, looking at the steward’s serious expression.
"Just follow the normal reception process."
...
Eric was still wearing that same decent dark blue robe, followed by an advisor wearing glasses.
When the two entered the guest hall, Klein was already waiting.
The light in the guest hall was very good; sunlight streamed through the tall floor-to-ceiling windows, making the whole room appear bright and warm.
But for some reason, the moment Eric walked in, Klein felt the temperature seem to drop a bit.
It wasn't a distinct chill, but rather that slight coolness felt when a late-night sea breeze blows by.
Was it just an illusion?
Probably not.
"Lord Klein, good morning." Eric bowed slightly, a standard businessman's smile on his face.
"Good morning," Klein responded, gesturing for them to sit.
Margaret brought tea, placed it on the table, and then withdrew.
On the surface, there were only four people in the guest hall—Klein, Eric, that advisor, and Raymond standing behind Klein.
Klein noticed that Raymond’s stance was slightly further forward than usual, and his right hand hung naturally at his side, only a palm's distance from his waist.
It wasn't a conspicuous change, but it was enough for him to react at the first possible moment.
Eric picked up his teacup and took a small sip.
"Regarding the cooperation mentioned yesterday, our chamber of commerce has already drafted a preliminary agreement."
He pulled a document from his robe and handed it to Klein.
Klein took it and flipped through a few pages.
The terms were written in great detail; price, quantity, delivery time, and liability for breach of contract were all clearly stated.
Even possible maritime risks and cargo loss rates were listed plainly.
It certainly looked like a normal business cooperation.
But Klein’s gaze lingered for a moment on the "delivery location" column.
West coast, Silver Scale Harbor.
He looked up, watching Eric.
"How is the situation over on the west coast?" Klein asked casually, his gaze still lingering on the document. "I heard that after the sea monster incident, those waters are still not quite peaceful. Especially in the deep-sea areas, it's said that fishermen have seen some... unusual things."
Eric’s smile did not change at all.
"It’s fairly stable," he answered naturally. "Since the sea monster incident passed, the shipping routes have recovered quite a bit. The chamber's business has been much easier lately."
His tone was relaxed, as if he were talking about the weather.
"As for those rumors..." Eric paused. "Fishermen always love to exaggerate, especially after having a bit to drink. The ocean is naturally full of unknowns; seeing a few large fish and calling them sea monsters is far too common."
Klein nodded, not immediately responding.
He continued to flip through the agreement, his eyes scanning every line of text, but his attention was actually on observing Eric’s subtle reactions.
"I heard the imperial fleet is patrolling those waters now?" Klein looked up. "I have a friend serving in the navy, and he said the garrison on the west coast has increased significantly over the past two years."
Eric’s finger tapped lightly on the rim of the teacup.
Just once, and it stopped quickly.
"That is indeed the case," he said. "The Empire places great importance on coastal defense, which is a good thing for us merchants. With the fleet's protection, cargo transportation is safer."
Klein smiled.
"Then the Silver Scale Chamber of Commerce must have made quite a profit recently? After all, with the west coast routes restored, there must be many business opportunities."
"Thanks to the Empire’s blessing, business is decent," Eric said modestly. "However, maritime trade is risky; we are barely maintaining ourselves."
"Barely maintaining?" Klein acted as if he were very interested. "But I heard the Silver Scale Chamber of Commerce recently opened three new shipping routes and even purchased two warehouses in the imperial capital. That doesn't sound like barely maintaining."
Eric’s smile stiffened slightly.
It was only for a split second before returning to normal.
"Lord Klein is truly well-informed," he said, his tone carrying a hint of something deeper. "It seems you are very attentive to commercial intelligence."
"In business, one should always learn more about their partners." Klein put down the document and picked up his teacup. "After all, I wouldn't want to hand my goods over to an unreliable chamber of commerce."
He took a sip of tea, his gaze looking at Eric over the rim of the cup.
"The name Silver Scale Chamber of Commerce is quite interesting." Klein changed the subject, his tone becoming casual. "I’ve always been curious, why call it Silver Scale? Does 'silver scale' refer to some kind of fish? Or does it have some special meaning?"
Eric put down his teacup, the smile on his face remaining unchanged.
"It’s just a name," he said airily. "The founder found a silver scale on the beach back in the day, thought it looked nice, and used it as the chamber's emblem."
"Found it on the beach?" Klein acted very interested, leaning forward slightly. "That must have been a very special scale. What kind of fish could grow a scale like that?"
"It was indeed very special," Eric nodded. "It’s said that the scale was as large as a palm and gave off a pearly luster in the sunlight. The founder always treated it as the chamber's mascot."
"As large as a palm?" Klein narrowed his eyes. "I recall the largest fish on the west coast are blue-striped whales, but those fish don't have scales. A creature that could grow scales the size of a palm would have to be some kind of deep-sea creature, right?"
Eric’s smile faltered slightly.
"Does Lord Klein also have research into marine biology?"
"I know a little," Klein smiled. "I've read some books on marine natural history before; they mentioned that creatures capable of growing large scales usually live in deep-sea areas. The water pressure there is immense; ordinary fish simply cannot survive."
He paused.
"So I am very curious about what exactly the owner of that scale was."
Eric’s expression changed slightly.
The change was subtle, like something moving gently beneath a calm water surface.
"Regrettably, that scale was lost in a fire," he said with an appropriate amount of regret. "However, the chamber's emblem was preserved, so it counts as a form of legacy."
Klein nodded and didn't press further.
But he noticed that when Eric spoke these words, his eyes drifted toward the window. It was only for an instant before he snapped back.
It was as if he were remembering something, or... hiding something.
More importantly, Klein noticed that the advisor behind Eric had remained silent from the moment they entered, but every time Klein mentioned a sensitive topic, he would subconsciously push up his glasses.
When "deep-sea creature" was mentioned just now, the advisor pushed his glasses three times.
...
The rest of the conversation centered around the agreement's content.
Price, transportation, payment methods—every item was discussed in detail.
Eric behaved professionally and with restraint, yielding where necessary and standing firm where he should, acting entirely like a shrewd businessman.
Klein tentatively mentioned west coast matters several times, but Eric managed to dodge them easily every time, or brush them off with a few inconsequential remarks.
He was like a wall.
Smooth, solid, and watertight.
But Klein noticed more details.
For instance, when he "accidentally" mentioned the term "Sea God"—to be precise, bringing it up while discussing west coast folk beliefs—Eric’s breathing rhythm changed.
It wasn't a conspicuous pause, but the depth of his breathing became deeper, as if he were forcing himself to remain calm.
For instance, when he asked about the specific location and geography of Silver Scale Harbor, Eric answered far too fluently, like a pre-prepared script. He even clearly stated how many docks the port had, the water depth, and the tidal patterns.
Would a chamber of commerce head know a port to such a degree?
Or rather... had he stayed there for a long time?
Klein noted these details in his mind.
An hour later, the details of the agreement were basically finalized.
"Raymond, see if there are any issues." Klein handed the document to the steward.
Raymond took it and looked through it carefully. His gaze lingered on every line of text, his expression serious and focused.
Klein noticed that when Raymond saw the "delivery location" column, his brow furrowed slightly, and then his gaze moved to the "transportation method" column, lingering there for a long time.
"No issues," Raymond said finally, but his tone was more cautious than usual. "However, Master, regarding the cargo transport route, I suggest..."
"Let's just follow what's written in the agreement," Klein interrupted him. "Mr. Eric is a professional; I trust the arrangements of the Silver Scale Chamber of Commerce."
Raymond looked at Klein and said nothing more.
"Then let's sign it." Klein nodded.
Raymond picked up a quill and signed the Klein family name at the end of the document.
The sound of the nib scratching across the paper was exceptionally clear in the quiet guest hall.
Eric’s advisor also signed the other document.
The two exchanged documents and put them away.
"A pleasure doing business with you." Eric stood up and extended his hand.
"A pleasure doing business with you." Klein shook his hand.
Eric’s hand was very cold.
It wasn't a normal cold, but the kind of temperature something has after being soaked in ice water for a long time.
Like something that had just been fished out of the deep sea.
His palm was dry, but his fingertips carried a hint of moisture, as if they had just been pulled from seawater.
That moisture wasn't sweat, but a colder, more viscous sensation.
The strength of the handshake was just right, neither too light nor too heavy, standard business etiquette.
But Klein could feel that beneath that polite exterior, Eric’s fingers possessed extraordinary strength.
That strength was being carefully controlled, like a predatory beast trying its best to act like a house cat.
What concerned Klein even more was—at the moment they shook hands, he smelled a very faint scent.
A fishy sea smell.
It wasn't the smell of ordinary seawater, but the kind of scent found only in deep-sea areas, carrying a certain ancient, rotten aura.
It was as if something had been sleeping in the deep sea for a long time and then suddenly woken up.
Klein released his hand, the smile on his face unchanged.
"Then we shall not disturb you further." Eric bowed slightly. "The goods will be delivered within three days."
"I’ll be waiting," Klein said, and then added as if in passing, "By the way, Mr. Eric, if there is a chance, I would actually like to visit the west coast. I hear the sea views there are beautiful, especially the waters near Silver Scale Harbor; it's said that on the night of a full moon, the sea surface shimmers with silver light."
Eric’s smile froze for a split second.
It was only for an instant, but Klein caught it clearly.
In that moment, a flash of... fear appeared in Eric’s eyes?
No, not fear.
It was reverence.
"You are certainly welcome," Eric said, his tone returning to normal. "If Lord Klein is interested, I can arrange the best guide. However..."
He paused.
"The waters near Silver Scale Harbor are indeed beautiful, but it is best not to go out to sea on the night of a full moon. The tides at that time are very dangerous; even experienced sailors dare not take the risk."
"Is that so?" Klein smiled. "I’ll keep that in mind."
Eric left the guest hall with his advisor.
The carriage soon drove out of the manor, disappearing at the end of the road.
Klein stood by the window, watching the carriage recede.
The sunlight was still bright, but he felt as if a faint fishy sea smell lingered in the air.
The scent was very faint, yet it wouldn't dissipate.
"Master." Raymond walked to his side and lowered his voice. "Should I have someone follow them?"
"No need." Klein shook his head. "We've already made too many small moves; the other party would surely notice. And..."
He looked out the window.
"Following someone who might be related to a Sea God is not a wise choice."
Raymond was silent for a moment.
"Master, that agreement..."
"I know what you want to say." Klein turned around. "The delivery location is on the west coast, and it just happens to be set for three days from now—which is the eve of the full moon."
"It’s as if he is deliberately reminding me that if I want to know more, I should take this opportunity to see for myself."
He smiled.
Raymond’s expression became even more serious.
"I suggest canceling this cooperation."
"Cancel it?" Klein shook his head. "There’s no need... I actually really want to see what exactly they intend to do."
"But this is too dangerous."
"I know," Klein said. "That's why I need to make some preparations."
He turned around, his gaze sweeping toward the corner of the guest hall.
The curtain there moved slightly.
"Ophelia, come out."
The curtain was pulled aside, and Ophelia stepped out from the shadows.
Her face bore a clear look of discomfort; she was wearing her usual knightly formal wear, and her left hand still wore the gauntlet.
Her golden hair shimmered in the sunlight, but her brow was tightly furrowed, and her entire face was tense.
"My apologies." Ophelia’s voice was somewhat stiff. "I am not quite used to this... act of hiding. A knight should not hide in the shadows to eavesdrop."
As she said this, her right hand subconsciously pressed against the hilt of the sword at her waist, as if seeking some kind of psychological comfort.
Klein smiled.
"I know, Miss Ophelia prefers direct combat."
"It’s not about preference," Ophelia corrected, her voice carrying a hint of persistence. "It’s about what should be. A knight should face an enemy openly, not hide in the shadows like an assassin. This violates the Knight's Code."
She paused, her golden eyes looking at Klein.
"But you are right, now is not the time," she added, her tone softening a bit. "If we acted rashly, we might alert the enemy."
Klein walked back to the table and picked up the now-cold teacup.
"Could you feel anything?"
Ophelia was silent for a moment.
She first shook her head, but then nodded, as if organizing her sensations.
"He does indeed have the smell of the sea on him."
Klein put down his teacup, waiting for her to continue.
"But—" Ophelia’s right hand subconsciously tightened, her knuckles turning white, "it’s different from what I’ve encountered."
"How is it different?"
Ophelia frowned, as if trying hard to find the right words.
She was silent for several seconds, a flash of memory appearing in her golden eyes.
"When I was on the west coast, I encountered many things polluted by sea monsters. Soldiers, weapons, seawater... those things all carried a specific aura."
Her voice dropped.
"Madness, chaos, full of aggression. It was like a ball of fire that never stopped burning, but that fire was cold, and it was black."
She raised her left hand, glancing at it through the gauntlet.
"Just like my left hand."
Klein noticed that Ophelia’s left hand was trembling slightly. Even through the heavy gauntlet, that trembling was clearly visible.
"But the smell on that man... is deeper." Ophelia’s tone became grave. "It’s not a feeling of being polluted, but more like... having been soaked for a very long time. That feeling of the deep sea."
"Deep sea?" Raymond interjected. "Are you saying he has been to the deep sea?"
"I don't know." Ophelia shook her head. "But his aura is completely different from those things I encountered on the west coast."
She looked up, watching Klein.
"Those sea monsters... are like shrimp and crabs on the shallows; though terrifying, they are still within the realm of understanding. But the smell on him is more like something from the deep sea."
She paused, her voice even lower.
Klein pondered for a moment.
"Stronger?"
"Not stronger." Ophelia negated, her gaze becoming very serious. "More real."
The guest hall was quiet for a few seconds.
Only the sound of birds chirping from outside was exceptionally clear in this silence.
Raymond walked to the table and picked up the recently signed agreement, his gaze scanning over it.
"Master, I suggest reconsidering this cooperation." His voice was heavy. "If the other party really is related to a Sea God, then this agreement might be a trap."
"It’s too late." Klein smiled. "And... there’s no need."
He looked at Ophelia.
"Are you sure he isn't a sea monster?"
"No," Ophelia said very certainly. "At least not for now. I can recognize the aura of sea monsters; that madness and chaos cannot be hidden."
"Otherwise, I would have sensed it when I met him yesterday."
Klein walked to the window, looking out at the distant sky.
The sky was still azure, white clouds drifting lazily by; everything appeared so peaceful.
But Klein knew that beneath the peaceful surface, undercurrents were surging.
"Then it’s even more interesting."
He turned back, looking at Raymond.
"When the goods arrive in three days, arrange for people to inspect them carefully. Not just the goods themselves, but also the people delivering them, the carriage, and even the ropes used for packaging."
"Yes."
"Also." Klein thought for a bit. "Send someone to the west coast to find out exactly what kind of place Silver Scale Harbor is. Focus the investigation on the geography, folk beliefs, and... the situation of the sea area on the night of a full moon."
Raymond nodded and turned to leave.
"Wait." Klein called out to him. "Be careful during the investigation; do not draw attention. If the other party really is related to a Sea God, their eyes and ears might be all over the west coast."
"I understand," Raymond said. "I will have the most reliable people handle it."
He left the guest hall.
Only Klein and Ophelia remained in the room.
Sunlight streamed through the window, casting bright spots of light on the floor. But Ophelia stood in the shadows, her golden eyes appearing exceptionally bright in the dark.
She stood in place, her golden eyes fixed on Klein, without saying a word.
That look was very sharp, carrying scrutiny and worry.
"What are you thinking?" she finally asked.
"I was thinking." Klein turned around and smiled. "Even if that Eric has nothing to do with a Sea God, then we might still have caught a big fish this time."
Ophelia’s brow furrowed even tighter.
"Sea God..."
Her left hand trembled slightly.
Klein noticed this detail.
"Are you alright?"
"I’m fine." Ophelia lowered her head, looking at her left hand.
Klein walked over and reached out to hold her left hand.
Through the gauntlet, he felt Ophelia’s slight trembling.
"Don't worry," Klein said. "This time, you won't have to face it alone."
Ophelia looked up, a flash of complex emotion in her golden eyes.
"Klein..."
"Yes?"
"The matters on the west coast are more dangerous than you imagine."
Klein smiled.
"I know."
He released Ophelia’s hand and walked back to the table.
"But since we’ve already started, there’s no need to be timid."
The sunlight from outside spilled in, falling on the floor and forming bright patches of light.
But Klein felt that within those patches of light, an invisible shadow was hidden.
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